Are All Superstitions Silly?

Every sport has its superstitious players. Many NFL kickers go through very specific routines even before easy extra point kicks. Hockey players in the playoffs often will not shave until they are out of the running or have won the Stanley Cup. Basketball players often have a set routine before every foul shot.

Golf is no different from any other sport in this aspect. It has been a breeding ground for superstitions and odd ritualistic behaviors, probably more so than any other sport. Jesper Parnevik always marks his ball with a dime, but never with the heads side up. And before a match if he has more than one dime, he throws them up in the air and uses whichever one land tails side up.

Some golfers claim they have no superstitious tendencies, but they may just have had them for so long that they don’t realize they do. Some are also just a matter of preference. Mark O’Meara only uses white tees, but only because colored tees leave marks on his ball. Tiger claims his red shirt Sundays are not superstitious, just his standard uniform for the final tournament day. Phil Micklelson doesn’t use low numbered Titleist balls, but strictly hits numbers five through eight to avoid confusing his ball with other golfer’s.

Although many superstitions or routines may seem silly, they allow the golfer a sense of comfort before hitting their shot. The patterns and routines used let golfers calm down and focus on their shot by not thinking about outside influences. So if you are playing a round of golf and your partner seems to be taking some extra time setting up on that par three tee box, don’t be too surprised when he knocks in a hole in one. Now the only question is whether that hole was covered with a prize by Foresite Sports!